Delhi-Gurgaon e-way: NHAI undertakes work as directed by chairman

To improve user experience on the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway, a number of issues that were listed by the chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) during his visit last month are being resolved by the authority on priority basis.

Work on minor repairs on the expressway has already started. (Abhinav Saha/HT Photo)

To improve user experience on the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway, a number of issues that were listed by the chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) during his visit last month are being resolved by the authority on priority basis.

Officials said that work on minor repairs, as mentioned in the inspection note, have already been taken up and estimates are being prepared for major work.

Highway administrator Ashok Sharma said that major over-haul of several facilities will be taken up and that includes painting the pedestrian bridges and repairing the broken tiles, etc. at several points. “We have asked the concessionaire to improve the condition of underpasses in particular. The potholes, lights, paintings at these underpasses will be repaired,” he said. The NHAI is also mooting to set up a water sprinkler system along the way to ensure that plants remain green throughout the year.

At some places, the authority will be installing new sign boards and replace those which have been damaged. The NHAI is also planning to set up amenities at land available near the Air force station, Rajokari, near City Park hotel and Hero Honda Chowk. “This will improve the facilities available to commuters and also help in generating revenue for the authority,” said Sharma.

After the nudge from chairman Raghav Chandra, NHAI officials have also decided to explore the use of solar power at the Kherki Daula toll plaza, toll offices, underpasses and flyovers. “This proposal is in the initial stage but we will certainly try to embrace this eco-friendly source of energy,” he said.

Apart from this, the NHAI has also asked the concessionaire to make special arrangements for cleaning the drains. “The drains have been delayed. However, we will try to minimise the problem (of waterlogging),” another official said.